Improvement in watch-case latches



J. C. DUEBER.

Watch-Case Latches.

N0, 142,684, Parentedseptembers,1873.

UNrTEn STATES PATENT Orrrono JOHN O. DUEBER, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN WATCH-CASE LATCHES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 142,684, dated September 9, 1873 application filed February 24, 1873.

To all 'whom it may concern;

Be it known that I, JOHN O. DUEBER, of Cincinnati, Hamilton county, Ohio, have invented a new and useful Locking Device for Watch-Cases, of which the following is a specification:

This invention relates to a simple and effective device for maintaining either of the backs or the bezel of a watch in their closed condition, so as to dispense with the objectionable snap-ring which has heretofore been employed for this purpose. I accomplish this result by providing the center of the case with a slide, which is adapted to have a slight reciprocating movement circumferentially of the exterior of the center, and said slide is furnished with a suitable notch or recess that is capable of engaging over a lug or stump that projects either from the back or bezel of the watch. After the back or bezel has been shut this slide is shifted in such a manner as to cause its notch to engage with the aforesaid lug, thereby maintaining the casein its closed condition and effectually preventing any accidental opening of the-same. To open the watch, the slide is shifted in the opposite direction, so as to disengage the lug from the notch, when the case-spring instantly forces the back open in the usual manner.

Figure l is a perspective view of a watchcase provided with my improved locking device, the back being shown closed. Fig. 2 is a similar perspective view, the slide being shifted and the bezel opened. Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the center and bezel of the case. Fig. 4 is a horizon tal section through the slide. Figs. 5 and 6 are, respectively, an end and side elevation of a modification of the slide.

A represents an ordinary center of a watchoase, to which is hinged, at b c, a back, B, and bezel, O, although another back similar tothe one, B, may be applied to the center in place of said bezel, for the purpose of producing a huntin g-case watch. Projecting laterally from either of the backs or from the bezel is a short stud, spur, or lug, D, that is firmly secured to said back or bezel. This lug is ada-pted to engage with the notch e of a slide, E, that is applied to the exterior of the center in such a manner as to have a sli ght reci procatm g movement around the same. The center A has a slot, a, in it, through which passes the screw f that serves to attach the external slide E to the internal follower F, the latter being adapted to fit snugly against the inside of said center. When the case is closed, as shown in Fig. 1, the lug D engages with the recess e, and consequently prevents the back being accidentally opened. y

To obtain access to the interior of the watch, it is only necessary to shift the slide E toward the pendant, which act causes the lug D to become disengaged from the notch e, and, there being no longer anything to maintain the back. in its closed condition, it is instantly thrown open by a case-spring in the usual manner.

It will be seen that this locking device is cheap and simple, and it effectually overcomes a number of objections to those watches whose backs engage over snap-rin gs upon the center. It is always very difficult to open such eases by pressing against the ordinary thumb-piece, which is provided for this purpose, and it frequently happens that a pry of some kind must be used when the `watch is new. After tnc watch hasbeen in use sometime, the back moves too freely and often opens accidentally while in the wearers pocket.

This locking device will be especially applicable to ladies7 watches, as the wcarers thereof, as a general thing, have not suicient strength of thumb-nail to force open the ordinary backs or caps. When snap-rings are employed for keeping the backs closed considerable play must necessarily be allowed, thereby affording room for dust and other obstructions to enter the case and interfere with the movements of the watch; but it will be seen, by referring to Figs. 3 and 5, that the bezel or back, in the forxn adopted by me, ts very closely upon the center, and that there is no opportunity whatever for the entrance of such obstructions. As no play or clearance is necessary for the backs, they can be fitted to the center, in the most perfect manner and with the greatest facility, by workmen who have had but little experience.

In case the follower F should interfere with any of the internal parts of the watch, or there should be any objection to making the slot in 2 Matar the center A, the modihcaton shown in Figs. 5 and 6 may be employed. In this modification the slide G is provided with a longitud` inal slot, g, for the reception of a screw, H, which latter, in connection with the staple or box I, serves toconfne the slide in its position upon the center. A shoulder, g', by coming in contact with the staple I, limits the retraction ofthe slides. The screw7 and slot may be arranged so as to be concealed from sight.

The slide may be of an ornamental shape, so as to add to instead of detracting,` from the appearance of the case.

Attest:

GEO. H. KNIGHT, JAMEs H. LAYMAN. 

